Scientists Who Changed the World Chapter 1 Multiple Choice

The process of gathering evidence through observation, experimentation, and analysis to test a hypothesis and arrive at a conclusion. It involves a structured approach, starting with a proposed explanation (hypothesis) and systematically testing it through observation or experiment. The results are then analyzed to reach a conclusion based on the strength of the evidence.

A group of ancient Greek philosophers who flourished in the 6th and 7th centuries BCE, known for their emphasis on rational inquiry and natural explanations for phenomena.

A scientist renowned for his work on electromagnetism, who laid the foundation for the development of the electric motor.

He used the shadows cast by the Sun, comparing the shadow of the pyramid with the shadow of a stick of known height.

Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath, known for his contributions to logic, physics, biology, and ethics, who made groundbreaking observations on animal behavior.

Ancient Chinese scientist who invented the seismoscope, a device that detected earthquakes.

He gained knowledge of human anatomy through his work as a physician to Roman gladiators, leading to advancements in medical understanding.

She was a renowned scholar of philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy, known for her wisdom and intellectual prowess.

Archimedes developed the method of exhaustion to calculate areas and volumes, approximated pi, and invented practical applications of mathematics, such as levers and pulleys.

Eratosthenes accurately measured the Earth's circumference using observations of the Sun's angle at different locations.

Alhazen introduced the scientific method through experimentation and observation, particularly in optics.

Aristotle proposed a geocentric model of the universe, with Earth at the center, and observed the spherical shape of the Earth through the curvature of Earth's shadow on the Moon.

Al-Khwarizmi is known as the "father of algebra" and introduced systematic solutions to linear and quadratic equations. His works introduced the term "algorithm."

Hypatia revised and expanded on works like Euclid's Elements and made advancements in algebra and geometry.

Pythagoras proposed that celestial bodies move in circular orbits and emphasized the harmony of the cosmos, linking it to mathematical principles.

Aristotle developed empirical observation methods and categorized knowledge systematically, influencing scientific methodology.

Known as the "Father of Botany," Theophrastus studied and documented plant biology and their uses.

A book that contained an encyclopedia of knowledge about nature, including plants, animals, and minerals.

A Roman author known for "Natural History"- an encyclopedia of nature.

A Greek mathematician and inventor, famous for his contributions to geometry, physics, and engineering.

Archimedes designed a giant ship as a gift for Ptolemy III, weighing over 4,000 tons.

A Greek philosopher and scientist who founded the Lyceum and wrote extensively on various subjects, including logic, metaphysics, and biology.

A Muslim scholar who developed the Hindu-Arabic number system.

The Hindu-Arabic number system was established by Al-Khwarizmi. What makes these numbers important?

A mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. It's approximately 3.14159.

A device used in ancient and medieval astronomy to measure the positions of stars and planets and to determine latitude.

A device designed to detect the direction of earthquakes.

A device used to detect the direction of earthquakes. What does it measure?

The discovery of blood circulation and the heart's role as a pump was made by William Harvey in 1628.

An instrument used to measure and record the details of earthquakes, including their force and duration.

The four bodily fluids in ancient medicine believed to affect health and temperament: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

A model of objects in the sky, consisting of rings representing the celestial equator and other circles.

Thales of Miletus was a Greek philosopher who is widely regarded as the founder of Western philosophical thought. He shifted from mythological explanations of the natural world to a more rational and scientific approach, using observation and reasoning to explain natural phenomena.

Thales proposed that everything in the universe is made of water, believing it to be the fundamental substance from which everything originates. This concept challenged traditional mythological explanations and emphasized a more materialist view of the world.

Thales used the lengths of shadows cast by the sun to calculate the height of the Egyptian pyramids. He compared the length of his own shadow to the pyramid's shadow, applying simple geometric principles to solve the problem.

Thales was considered one of the "Seven Wise Men" of antiquity. This group consisted of esteemed philosophers and individuals known for their wisdom, practical insights, and contributions to society.

Thales famously predicted a solar eclipse, showcasing his knowledge of astronomy and the celestial movements. His success in predicting this astronomical event contributed to his reputation as a wise man and a pioneer in scientific observation.

Thales believed the Earth was flat and floated on water. This was a common belief in ancient times, and it differed from later theories that proposed a spherical Earth.

Thales's scientific approach to understanding the natural world, using observation and reasoning instead of mythology, revolutionized Western civilization. He laid the groundwork for empirical science and critical thinking.

Thales is regarded as a major influence on the renowned mathematician Pythagoras. Pythagoras's school of thought, focused on mathematics and its relation to the universe, drew inspiration from Thales's emphasis on observation and reason.

Thales was a Greek philosopher who is considered one of the 'Seven Wise Men' for his wisdom and rational thinking.

Thales predicted a solar eclipse, demonstrating that natural events could be predicted rationally.

Thales used the shadow cast by the sun and proportional measurement to calculate the height of pyramids.

Thales believed that natural events like crop failures or floods could be explained through rational observation and reason, a shift from mythological explanations.

Aristotle founded the Lyceum, a school in Athens, where he taught and developed his philosophical and scientific ideas.

Aristotle explained the Earth's shape as a sphere. He observed the Earth's shadow on the moon during lunar eclipse, which was curved indicating that the Earth was round.

Aristotle emphasized logic and reasoning as the foundation for scientific methodology, a key concept that influenced scientific practices for centuries.

Aristotle's philosophical work, including his theories on logic, physics, and biology, significantly impacted Western thought and paved the way for modern scientific investigation.

A Chinese scientist who invented the seismoscope, a device that could detect earthquakes and determine their direction.

Zhang Heng, a Chinese polymath, transitioned from a literary career to science and technology due to his personal passion for astronomy and mathematics.

Galen, a prominent Greek physician and anatomist, was renowned for his work as a physician for Roman gladiators.

Galen, the famous Greek physician, identified seven of the twelve cranial nerves, contributing significantly to our understanding of the nervous system.

Galen's belief that arteries carry blood throughout the body was a crucial step in understanding human physiology, even though his theory was incomplete.

Galen's practice mainly focused on animal dissections because it was illegal to dissect human corpses in ancient Rome due to religious beliefs.

Galen's

Galen expanded on the ancient medical concept of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile), believing they were key to human health.

Only approximately 50 of Galen's 500 written works survive today.

Galen used this analogy to emphasize the importance of bones in supporting the body.

Hypatia made significant advances in the field of conics, a branch of geometry that studies conic sections like circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.

Hypatia is believed to have contributed to the development and use of the astrolabe, an ancient astronomical instrument used for determining latitude and time.

Hypatia served as the head of the Neoplatonic School in Alexandria, a center of learning specializing in the philosophy of Plato.

Hypatia collaborated with her father, Theon of Alexandria, on mathematical works.

Hypatia's tragic death at the hands of a Christian mob marked the end of a brilliant intellectual era in Alexandria.

A Persian mathematician and astronomer known as the "Father of Algebra", he helped develop the Hindu-Arabic numeral system.

The Latin word "algorithm" is derived from Al-Khwarizmi's name and refers to a specific set of steps used to solve a problem.

Al-Khwarizmi's work revolutionized mathematics with his book on algebra, introducing systematic solutions to linear and quadratic equations.

Al-Khwarizmi's book on algebra was translated into Latin in the 12th century, making his ideas widely accessible in Europe.

Alhazen was an Arab scientist who is known for his groundbreaking work on optics, particularly the study of light and vision.

Alhazen's work focused on how light is reflected and refracted, contributing significantly to the understanding of vision.

Alhazen is credited with introducing the scientific method, involving hypotheses and experimentation, to the study of optics.

Alhazen's discoveries in optics laid the foundation for later developments in fields like astronomy and optics.

A Roman author known for his encyclopedic work "Natural History" which covered topics about nature, plants, animals, and minerals.

Pliny the Elder died tragically during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius while trying to rescue people.

A Greek physician and anatomist, known for his work as a physician for Roman gladiators.

Galen's major medical work, "The Canon of Medicine," was a comprehensive text that synthesized ancient medical knowledge and played a significant role in the development of medicine for centuries.

Avicenna also made important contributions to philosophy, particularly with his "Flying Man" thought experiment, which questioned the nature of perception and consciousness.

A Persian polymath and astronomer who made significant contributions to astronomy, particularly in the study of lunar and Earth's motion.

Trota of Salerno was a female physician who made groundbreaking contributions to women's health treatments and is considered a pioneer in gynecology and obstetrics.